Colorado's tough new air rules for oil and gas

DENVER BUSINESS JOURNAL - The leaders of three of Colorado's biggest energy companies were initially skeptical about forming a small working group that included state regulators and a national environmental advocacy group to craft the state's new rules, lauded as the strictest in the nation, to cut air pollution from oil and gas operations.

That's the behind-the-scenes account that emerged over the weekend at the at the two-day Vail Global Energy Forum at Beaver Creek Ski Resort.

After two months of negotiations, the proposed rules were rolled out in mid-November for review. The state's Air Quality Control Commission approved the rules  largely similar to the initial proposal  in late February.

Some oil and gas companies that weren't involved in the small group criticized the process and the proposal, but those who were involved say it was an effective process that ensures the rules are technically and economically workable.

The Colorado Oil & Gas Association, one of the critics, also pledged its support of the rules after the commission's vote.